This week's theft comes in the form of a Facebook meme that BEGGED for larger context and more detail. So I'm going to put on my mask and answer these questions about what I've done (and what I've not), in order to
Have I ever:
Fired a Gun
Yes. Everyone is required to learn how to fire a weapon in Boot Camp, and then periodically re-qualify thereafter as their duties require. My duties required, so there you go. I don't personally own a weapon, but the Smart Man likes to shoot at targets periodically for fun. Being a civil libertarian with a fondness for the Constitution, I have no issue with the ownership of firearms in a generic sense, so if you want to own weapons in a responsible manner, knock yourself out. But not literally, especially if you're holding a loaded weapon.
Gone on a blind date
No. Why would I torture myself in such a way? It's tough enough to find someone with whom you're compatible without resorting to random chance and the dubious judgement of intoxicated acquaintances.
Skipped school
Yes. In high school I made a career out of skipping school, to the point where I almost didn't graduate. Luckily I grew out of that, and never shirked in college.
Watched someone give birth
Does having a C-Section while conscious with a medical drape in front of your face count?
Watched someone die
No. Although I'm not sure doing so would have made my losses harder to bear.
Visited Canada
Yes. My study abroad activity for college was in Quebec City, and I've visited Toronto on business several times. I've also visited BC several times, on both business and pleasure. I think I need to plan more vacations to Canada, though. Actually, I just need to plan more vacations.
Visited Hawaii
Yes. I lived there for three years when on active duty, and went back with the Smart Man on our first cruise five years ago. I love living in the tropics, although I didn't love the cost of living. My apartment was in Pearl City, about two blocks from the Pearl City Tavern, also known as the Monkey Bar. No, I never went there.
Visited Europe
Yes. Just a few weeks ago, in fact. BEST VACATION EVAH.
Visited Las Vegas
Yes. Many, many times. Mostly for business, as conferences are frequently scheduled there, but a couple of times for pleasure. I don't particularly care for Las Vegas. I don't like to gamble, and suffer from crowd anxiety. But there's Cirque de Soleil, so it's not a complete loss.
Visited Washington DC
Yes. My Smart BIL and his family live outside Baltimore, and when I worked for the Military Industrial Complex, I went there often on business. Plus I have a number of close friends who live in that area, so it's always worthwhile to go to that part of the country.
Visited Asia
Yes. I've lived in Asia, actually, as well as making two WestPac/Middle East deployments when on active duty. Here are the countries I've visited:
- Philippines (resident)
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Japan
- Korea
- Okinawa
- Bali
- Guam
- Midway Island
- United Arab Emerites
- Bahrain
Visited Africa
No. But we've put a eco-tourism trip on our bucket list.
Visited Florida
Yes, to my deep regret. I went to Boot Camp in Orlando, and have returned a number of times on business. People in Florida just aren't right, y'all.
Visited Mexico
Yes. I've been to Mazatlan several times, and visited Tijuana when I lived in San Diego. Love the climate.
Visited Australia
No. But the Smart Man and I are planning our retirement vacation to include it, along with New Zealand and SE Asia. We've started saving already, because that is going to be one expensive trip, given that we don't want to do it on the cheap.
Seen the Grand Canyon in person
Yes. We took the Smart Twins when they were about 12, and it's more amazing in person than it is in pictures.
Flown in a helicopter
Yes. See: Military Service.
Been on a cruise
Yes. Three times, in fact. One to Hawai'i, one to the Alaskan Inside Passage, and just recently to the Mediterranean. Our next itinerary includes the Baltic capitals in 2020 to include Copenhagen, Stockholm, Berlin, St. Petersberg, and Tallin. I love cruising.
Served on a jury
No, but I'd like to. Since I come from a military family and my father was also a Deputy Sheriff, defense attorneys avoid me like the plague. Which is short sighted of them, given my liberal tendencies. Statistics: It's not just for insurance companies anymore.
Been in a movie
Yes. A television movie, that is. In my misspent youth I was a member of a riding group that frequently provided "extras" for Western movies, and I participated a couple times. Note: It's really, really boring to be an "extra."
Visited L.A
Yes. I've been to Disneyland, and one of my ex-husbands had grandparents in L.A. I also toured JPL on a layover on my way to the Philippines when I was a young sailor.
Been to New York City
No. And this pisses me off, because Sistah Stacey and Brother J.R. live there, and we were supposed to visit last year. Life interfered, however, and we had to cancel.
Cried yourself to sleep
Yes. And hence woke up with the delightfully attractive swollen eyes that are part and parcel of such an event.
Played in a band
No. And I regret that. Because I can sing!
Recently colored with pencils
No. I prefer to color with gel pens.
Sang karaoke
Yes. I used to prefer Anne Murray songs, as our ranges used to be identical. 15 years ago I quit smoking and my range increased pretty dramatically, but I haven't done karaoke in decades.
Swam in the ocean
Yes. Lived in the tropics, baby.
Paid for a meal with coins only
Yes. Euros allow that quite easily.
Made prank phone calls
Yes. Back in the day when Caller ID and *69 was just a pipe dream.
Laughed so much you cried
Yes. Often. It's my favorite thing to do with friends.
Caught a snowflake on your tongue
Yes. I grew up in Colorado.
Had children
Yes. Although we lost one way too young. Fucking depression.
Had a pet
Yes. Dogs, cats, horses, fish, lizards, rodents...
Been skinny dipping
Yes. Once. I don't recommend it.
Rappelled down a building/tower
No. Not yet...I think I should probably lose some weight first.
Gone zip lining
No. See above.
Been downhill skiing
Yes. We used to ski often with the kids, but now we're old and creaky and prefer less strenuous hobbies.
Been water skiing
Yes. Fun!
Been camping in a tent
Only if being deployed to Korea in the winter counts. These days my idea of camping is a weekend stay at the Hotel del Coronado.
Driven a motorcycle
No. It's just never come up, and now I don't trust other drivers on the road enough to even try.
Jumped out of a plane
No. Are you kidding?
Gone to a drive-in movie
Yes. We used to go often in my youth.
Done something that could have killed you
Yes. More than once. Because I was stupid (and lucky) in my youth.
Done something that you will regret for the rest of your life
Yes. I think we all have regrets of this type, and for me, it's usually related to my being unkind to someone who didn't deserve it.
Rode an elephant
No. Elephants in captivity offend my sensibilities.
Rode a camel
No. Camels are smelly, foul tempered, and spit a lot.
Eaten just cookies or cake or ice cream for dinner
Yes. Of course I have. Duh.
Been on TV
Yes. I was in a Burger King commercial in my youth, as well as several kid-type shows related to the group I rode with.
Been in newspaper
Yes. Again: Youth group. Plus the local paper in my capacity as a Library Trustee.
Stolen any traffic signs
Yes. A stop sign, I believe.
Been in a car accident
Yes. But nothing major.
Stayed in Hospital
Yes. Several times. I don't recommend it, although I have to say my experiences with military hospitals were pretty darn good as these things go.
Donated blood
Yes. I believe in all sorts of blood and tissue donation. Because after all, I'm not going to miss any of that stuff.
Had to pay a fine in the past 12 months
Yes. Because apparently I can't remember to register my vehicles in a timely manner. This one is strange, as I've never been late in my life until this year. Mad Cow, here I come!
Eaten snails
Yes. They're tasty, but I have a problem with the texture...sort of like mushrooms in that regard.
Gotten a piercing
Yes. But only in my ears.
Gotten a tattoo
Yes. More than one, actually, and I'm researching a new one right now.
Driven a standard car
Yes. My Dad made me learn on a standard transmission, and the Fiat is a standard, as well. I'm of the opinion that this is a life skill that every adult should have. Because you never know.
Ever owned your dream car
No. Not yet, anyway. I have trouble spending more than $30K for a vehicle, actually, so it's unlikely to happen.
Been married till death do we part
Yes. Finally.
Been divorced
Yes. Three times, actually. Slow learner, and all that.
Fallen in love
Yes. But my idea of what "love" is has certainly changed over the years.
Paid for a strangers meal
Yes. Many times. Usually military members in uniform that I see at the airport, but elsewhere, too. I like to do this, and always try to duck out before they know what I've done.
Driven over 100mph
Yes. The Fiat is a zippy little thing.
Worked in a pub
No. I come from a family of alcoholics. This is not a good career choice for me.
Been scuba diving
Yes. I love this activity, and intend to revisit it again.
Found a dead body
No. And for this I'm grateful.
Lived on your own
Yes. Many times, but given my propensity to hermitage, it's not the best choice for me from a "interact with other people," and "have meaningful relationships" perspective.
Rode in the back of a police car
No. Just....no.
Written or published a book/story/poem/song
Does writing this blog count? Because while I enjoy writing (and think I have some small amount of skill), I don't want it to be a job, even a volunteer job. I write for my own enjoyment, to manage my feelings and work through my thought processes. I don't think I'd like it much if it was a chore.
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2 comments:
It's not stealing - it's research! :)
It's not stealing - it's research! :)
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